Aristotle – State, Citizenship & Constitutional Government
UPSC PSIR | Western Political Thinkers | Father of Political Science
1️⃣ INTRODUCTION
Aristotle (384–322 BCE) was a student of Plato.
Major Work: Politics
Unlike Plato, Aristotle studied real constitutions.
He is considered the father of Political Science because he used empirical method.
2️⃣ MAN AS A POLITICAL ANIMAL
“Man is by nature a political animal.”
Meaning:
- Humans achieve fulfillment in political community.
- State is natural institution.
- Outside state, man is either beast or god.
3️⃣ ORIGIN OF STATE
Evolution:
- Family
- Village
- State (Polis)
State exists for good life, not just survival.
4️⃣ TELEOLOGY (PURPOSE THEORY)
Every institution has a purpose (telos).
State’s purpose: Good life (Eudaimonia).
5️⃣ CITIZENSHIP THEORY
Citizen = One who participates in governance.
Citizenship involves:
- Deliberation
- Judicial participation
Slaves, women and laborers excluded (limitation).
6️⃣ CLASSIFICATION OF GOVERNMENTS
| Good Forms | Perverted Forms |
|---|---|
| Monarchy | Tyranny |
| Aristocracy | Oligarchy |
| Polity | Democracy |
Best practical form: Polity (mixed constitution).
7️⃣ RULE OF LAW
Law should govern, not individuals.
Aristotle supports constitutional government.
MAINS QUESTIONS
- Discuss Aristotle’s concept of state.
- Explain Aristotle’s classification of constitutions.
- Critically examine Aristotle’s theory of citizenship.
QUICK REVISION MAP
- Political animal
- Teleology
- Good life
- Citizenship participation
- Mixed constitution
- Rule of law
“Law should govern.”
Shaktimatha Learning – Western Thinkers Series
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